Bangladesh, April 26 -- Recent tensions between Washington and Beijing over Iran have exposed a critical flaw in how global powers define and enforce arms restrictions. While public exchanges between leaders suggest progress, the underlying reality tells a different story—one where technical definitions and regulatory gaps allow strategic supply chains to function uninterrupted.

When former U.S. President Donald Trump warned of sweeping tariffs on countries supplying weapons to Iran, the message appeared direct. Beijings response, reportedly assuring that no such transfers were occurring, seemed equally clear. But within days, events in the Gulf of Oman complicated that narrative. A vessel intercepted by U.S. naval forces was alleg...